JP4851285B2 - Driving simulation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving simulation apparatus, and more particularly to a driving simulation apparatus for a small electric vehicle or an electric wheelchair suitable for use by elderly people.

As an example of a driving simulation apparatus including at least an operation unit having a simulated handle similar to the handle of a vehicle and a monitor screen that displays a vehicle traveling on a virtual traveling path according to the operation of the simulated handle of the user, The technique described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. This prior art relates to a simulation apparatus for learning driving a train.
JP2000-147997

  By the way, in recent years, various types of small electric vehicles or electric wheelchairs suitable for use by elderly people and the like that travel at an extremely low speed comparable to the speed at which a person walks have been proposed. Since such a vehicle travels at a slow speed in the same manner as walking, it is desirable to be able to visually recognize the left and right in advance when turning to the left and right or at intersections as in walking.

  However, since the apparatus according to the above-described prior art is based on the premise that the device is always operated by paying attention only to the front in the traveling direction in order to acquire the driving technique when traveling at a speed of a certain level or more, the monitor screen is in the traveling direction. Display only the front image.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and appropriately switch the image on the monitor screen from the front to the left and right according to the user's instruction, so that the left and right can be seen in advance when turning left and right or at intersections etc. The object is to provide a driving simulation device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned object, according to claim 1, at least a simulated handle similar to a handle of a vehicle is provided, and a user instruction including at least a traveling direction indicated by operation of the simulated handle is output. An operation unit; a control unit connected to the operation unit to input an instruction of the user; and a monitor screen connected to the control unit and displaying an image formed of a virtual traveling path in response to an instruction from the control unit; the driving simulation apparatus consisting of, wherein, when the simulated wheel is operated to the first angle or the left or right direction from the neutral position, the simulated said monitor screen from the traveling direction of the front image of the vehicle with switching to the traveling direction of the left or right of the image corresponding to the direction in which the handle is operated, the said simulated handle is different from the first angle 2 When it returned to an angle more than the neutral position direction, and configured as returned to the front image.

According to claim 2 , an operation unit that includes at least a simulated handle similar to a vehicle handle and includes at least a traveling direction indicated by the operation of the simulated handle, and connected to the operation unit In the driving simulation apparatus comprising: a control unit that inputs an instruction of the user; and a monitor screen that is connected to the control unit and displays an image including a virtual traveling path in response to an instruction of the control unit. When the simulated steering wheel is operated in the left or right direction beyond a first angle from the neutral position when the vehicle is stopped or substantially stopped, the monitor screen is displayed from the front image of the traveling direction of the vehicle. with switching to the traveling direction of the left or right of the image corresponding to the direction in which the simulated wheel is operated, the simulated handle and said first angle When it returned to the second angle to the neutral position or more directions comprising, configured as returned to the front image.

In claim 1, at least including the traveling direction indicated by the operation of the simulated steering wheel, an operation unit that outputs a user instruction, a control unit that is connected thereto and inputs a user instruction, and is connected thereto, In a driving simulation apparatus including a monitor screen that displays an image of a virtual traveling path in response to a command from the control unit, the control unit is operated in the left or right direction beyond the neutral position by a first angle or more from the neutral position. Since the monitor screen is configured to switch from the front image of the traveling direction of the vehicle to the left or right image of the traveling direction corresponding to the direction in which the simulated steering wheel is operated , the traveling direction such as when the user turns left and right In other words, just by operating the simulated handle in the direction you want to see, you can get an image of the left or right direction, and you can see the left and right in advance Kill.

The control unit, when the simulated wheel is operated to the first angle or the left or right direction from the neutral position, proceed to the corresponding monitor screen in a direction from the simulated wheel traveling direction of the front image is operated vehicle In addition to the above-described effects, the image is switched to the left or right image of the direction, and is returned to the front image when the simulated handle is returned to the neutral position direction by a second angle different from the first angle. By appropriately setting the angle 1, the user can reliably obtain an image in that direction simply by operating the simulated handle in that direction, such as when turning a large amount to the left or right. Further, since the second angle when returning is different from the first angle, the switching of images is not repeated.

In claim 2 , at least including the traveling direction indicated by the operation of the simulated steering wheel, an operation unit that outputs a user instruction, a control unit that is connected thereto and inputs a user instruction, and is connected thereto. In the driving simulation apparatus including a monitor screen that displays an image of a virtual traveling path in response to a command from the control unit, the control unit is configured such that when the vehicle is stopped or substantially stopped, the simulated handle is first moved from the neutral position. Since the monitor screen is switched from the front image in the traveling direction of the vehicle to the left or right image in the traveling direction corresponding to the direction in which the simulated steering wheel is operated when operated in the left or right direction beyond the angle of When the user turns to the left or right, the left or right image can be obtained simply by operating the simulated steering wheel in the direction of travel, that is, in the desired direction. Door can be, it is possible to visually recognize the left and right in advance. In addition, the control unit displays the monitor screen from the front image of the traveling direction of the vehicle when the simulated handle is operated in the left or right direction by a first angle or more from the neutral position when the vehicle is stopped or substantially stopped. Switching to the left or right image in the traveling direction corresponding to the direction in which the simulated handle is operated, and returning to the front image when the simulated handle is returned to the neutral position direction by a second angle different from the first angle. In addition to the effects described above, it is customary to obtain a necessary image when the vehicle is stopped or substantially stopped, and temporarily stop and check the left and right when turning left and right or at intersections. Can be attached.

  The best mode for carrying out the driving simulation apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view generally showing a driving simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing it.

  As shown in the figure, a driving simulation device (hereinafter referred to as “device”) 10 includes a simulated handle 12 similar to at least a vehicle handle, and outputs a user instruction including at least the traveling direction indicated by the rotation of the simulated handle 12. A control unit 16 connected to the operation unit 14 for inputting a user instruction, and a monitor connected to the control unit 16 for displaying an image formed of a virtual traveling path in response to a command from the control unit 16. Screen 18.

  Speakers 20 are arranged on both sides of the monitor screen 18. The device 10 is placed on a desk 22, and a chair or the like (not shown) is placed in front of the device 10 so that a user (planned driver) can sit there and operate the simulated handle 12 or the like. .

  Before continuing description of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the vehicle which the apparatus 10 presupposes is demonstrated, FIG. 3 is the perspective view of the vehicle, FIG. 4 is the front view of the handle | steering_wheel of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 26 is a single-seat four-wheeled small electric vehicle, more precisely an electric wheelchair, and an electric motor (not shown) is stored in the lower part of the seat 26a. The electric motor is supplied with power from a battery (not shown) and travels at an extremely low speed of 6 km / h or less in accordance with instructions from the driver (user).

  FIG. 4 is a front view showing the operation system of the vehicle 26. As shown in the figure, the operation system of the vehicle 26 is protruded left and right in the same manner as a handle 26c that protrudes from the dashboard 26b while looping left and right. Further, a travel lever 26d for a travel / stop command, a speed setting knob 26e disposed on the dashboard 26b and capable of setting the speed steplessly between 1 km / h and 6 km / h, and the traveling of the vehicle 26 It comprises a forward / reverse switching switch 26f for switching the direction back and forth, a horn switch 26g for operating a horn (not shown), and a power switch key 26h for turning on / off the energization from the battery (power source) to the electric motor.

  When traveling, the driver first turns on the power switch key 26h, selects the traveling direction with the forward / reverse switching switch 26f, and selects the traveling speed with the speed setting knob 26e. The travel lever 26d has a function similar to that of an accelerator and a brake, and the travel speed of the vehicle 26 is determined by the driver grasping the left or right (or both) travel lever 26d while gripping the handle 26c. When released, the vehicle 26 stops.

  Specifically, the travel lever 26d is rotatable between 0% and 100%, and the vehicle 26 is a value obtained by multiplying the speed set by the speed setting knob 26e by the rotation angle of the travel lever 26d. Drive on.

  More specifically, the vehicle 26 has a running speed of zero and remains stopped unless the driver touches the traveling lever 26d. When the driver holds the traveling lever 26d, the speed setting knob 26e is used. A value obtained by multiplying the set speed by the rotation angle, for example, when the speed setting knob 26e is set to 6 km / h, and the travel lever 26d is rotated 10% (if grasped), the speed Drive at 0.6 km / h. Hereinafter, the rotation angle of the travel lever 26d is referred to as an “accelerator angle”.

  The details of the vehicle 26 are described in the patent application previously filed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-307842 by the applicant of the present invention, and thus further explanation is omitted.

  Returning to the description of the apparatus 10 on the premise of the above, the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is installed, for example, in a store of the vehicle 26, and before the customer (user) visiting the store purchases the vehicle 26, the vehicle 26. Used to learn or experience driving.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 14 includes a simulation member similar to the components of the operation system of the vehicle 26 in addition to the simulation handle 12 described above. That is, the operation unit 14 has functions similar to the simulated power switch key 14a having a function similar to the power switch key 26h, the simulated travel lever 14b having a function similar to the travel lever 26d, and the speed setting knob 26e. A simulated speed setting knob 14c, a simulated forward / reverse switching switch 14d having a function similar to the forward / reverse switching switch 26f, and a simulated horn switch 14e having a function similar to the horn switch 26g are provided.

  The user turns on the simulated power switch key 14a, selects the traveling direction with the simulated forward / reverse switching switch 14d, selects an appropriate speed with the simulated speed setting knob 14c, and then holds the simulated handle 12 and either The vehicle 26 is simulated by grasping the (or both) simulated traveling levers 14b and operating the accelerator angle, that is, the traveling speed.

  The user's instructions including at least the operation performed by the user via the simulated power switch key 14a and the like in the operation unit 14 and the traveling direction indicated by the user operating (rotating) the simulated handle 12 are as follows: It is converted to USB via the control board 28 and output to the control unit 16.

  The control unit 16 is composed of a microcomputer, inputs a user instruction, operates as described later, and outputs a command value accordingly. A monitor screen 18 is connected to the control unit 16, and the monitor screen 18 displays an image formed of a virtual traveling path in response to a command from the control unit 16. FIG. 5 shows a front image and left and right images displayed on the monitor screen 18.

  A speaker 20 is also connected to the control unit 16, and when the user turns on the simulated horn switch 14e, the control unit 16 outputs a command value via a drive circuit (not shown) and operates the speaker 20 to generate a warning sound. Output.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 16.

  In the following description, first, a front image is displayed on the monitor screen 18 in S10. That is, the front image is a normal (initial) screen.

Next, in S12, it is determined whether or not the accelerator angle is less than 5%, that is, whether or not the user has not grasped the simulated travel lever 14b, in other words, stopped or substantially stopped. When the result is affirmative in S12, the process proceeds to S14, and the angle of the simulated handle 12 operated by the user is determined. As shown in FIG. 5, typical pseudo handle 12 is a front image, i.e., is freely operated (rotated) to the left and right from a neutral position, when the zero neutral position, is freely depends on the operation to 45 degrees (rotation).

  If the result in S12 is negative and the accelerator angle is not less than 5%, in other words, it is determined that the vehicle is not stopped, the process returns to S10. This is because, after S14, the image on the monitor screen 18 is switched to the left or right according to the user's handle operation, but since it travels at a slow speed, it is desirable to stop before turning to the left or right. This is to let you learn.

  When it is determined in S14 that the simulated handle 12 has been operated 27 degrees or more to the left from the neutral position, the process proceeds to S16, the timer is started and time measurement is started. When 3 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to S18, and the monitor screen 18 Display the left image. The simulated handle 12 can be operated up to a maximum of 45 degrees, and 27 degrees is only 60% of that, but when proceeding to S18, an image is displayed when it is assumed that the left turn is 45 degrees.

  Next, in S20, the angle of the simulated handle 12 is determined again. If it is determined in S20 that the operation has been performed to less than 18 degrees to the left, this means that the operation has been performed in the direction to return to the neutral position, so that the process returns to S10 and the monitor screen 18 is returned to the front image.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S20 that it is operated to the right by 18 degrees or more, the process proceeds to S22, and it is determined whether or not the accelerator angle is less than 5%. When the result in S22 is affirmative, it is determined that the vehicle is stopped with the steering wheel turned to the left (operated), so the process returns to S18 and the monitor screen 18 remains as the left image.

  On the other hand, when the result in S22 is negative, it means that the vehicle has started traveling, so the process returns to S10 and the monitor screen 18 is returned to the front image. That is, in this embodiment, the front image is displayed on the monitor screen 18 whenever the vehicle is running.

  If it is determined in S14 that the simulated handle 12 has been operated 27 degrees or more to the right from the neutral position, the process proceeds from S24 to all or part of S30, and the same processing as described in S16 to S22 is performed.

  If it is determined in S14 that the operation angle of the simulated handle 12 is less than 27 degrees from the neutral position, the process proceeds to S32, and the handle angle is determined again. When it is determined in S32 that the left or right operation is performed 27 degrees or more, the process proceeds to S18 or S26 depending on the determination result, and when it is still determined that the angle is less than 27 degrees left and right, the process returns to S10.

As described above, in this embodiment, at least the simulated handle 12 similar to the handle 26c of the vehicle 26 is provided, and an operation for outputting a user instruction including at least the traveling direction indicated by the operation of the simulated handle 12 is performed. Unit 14, a control unit 16 connected to the operation unit 14 for inputting the user's instruction, and connected to the control unit 16 to display an image composed of a virtual traveling path in response to a command from the control unit 16. In the driving simulation device 10 including the monitor screen 18 that performs the above operation, the control unit 16 detects the monitor screen when the simulated handle 12 is operated in the left or right direction by a first angle (27 degrees) or more from the neutral position. 18 the traveling direction of the left or right of the image corresponding to the direction in which the simulated handle 12 is operated from the traveling direction of the front image of the vehicle 26 (S14, S16, S18, S24, S26) with switching, when said simulated handle 12 is returned to the first angle is different from the second angle (18 degrees) or the neutral position direction, back to the front image ( S20, 28 ).

  As described above, in the driving simulation apparatus 10, the control unit 16 is configured to switch the monitor screen 18 from the front image to the left or right image according to the user's instruction. That is, only by operating the simulated handle 12 in the desired direction, an image in the left or right direction can be obtained, and the left and right can be visually recognized in advance.

In addition to the effects described above, by appropriately setting the first angle, the user can reliably obtain an image in that direction simply by operating the simulated handle 12 in that direction, such as when the user bends to the left or right. it can. Further, since the second angle when returning is different from the first angle, the switching of images is not repeated.

The operation unit 14 includes at least a simulated handle 12 similar to the handle 26c of the vehicle 26 and outputs a user instruction including at least the traveling direction indicated by the operation of the simulated handle 12, and is connected to the operation unit 14. The driving simulation apparatus comprising: a control unit 16 for inputting the user's instruction; and a monitor screen 18 connected to the control unit 16 and displaying an image formed of a virtual traveling path in response to a command from the control unit 16. 10, when the simulated handle 12 is operated to the left or right by a first angle (27 degrees) or more from the neutral position when the vehicle is stopped or substantially stopped, the monitor 16 the traveling direction of left or the corresponding screen 18 in the direction in which the simulated handle 12 is operated from the traveling direction of the front image of the vehicle 26 (S12, S14, S16, S18, S24, S26) and when the simulated handle 12 is returned to the neutral position direction by a second angle (18 degrees) different from the first angle, It is configured to return to the front image (S20, S28).

  As a result, in addition to the effects described above, by obtaining the necessary images when the vehicle is stopped or substantially stopped, the user can temporarily stop and check the left and right when turning left and right or at intersections. You can make a habit.

  In the above description, when the handle angle is greater than or equal to 27 degrees on the left and right, the viewpoint of the image is shifted to the left and right by 45 degrees, and the entire screen is switched at once. However, as shown in FIG. The screen viewpoint may be shifted in proportion to the angle.

  Further, when the monitor screen 18 is switched from the front image to the left and right, the entire screen is switched. However, as shown in FIG. 8, a part of the screen may be switched.

  Further, the apparatus 10 is simply configured as shown in FIG. 1, but as shown in FIG. 9, an actual vehicle 26 is prepared, the handle 26 c is diverted to the simulated handle 12, and the operation system is used as the operation unit 14. You may make it connect with the control part 16 with a cable.

1 is a perspective view generally showing an operation simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 functionally. It is a perspective view of the vehicle on which the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a premise. FIG. 4 is a front view of the vehicle handle shown in FIG. 3. It is explanatory drawing of the front image and right-and-left image which the monitor screen of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 displays. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory graph which shows the shift angle of the viewpoint of a screen with respect to a handle angle. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the front image similar to FIG. 5, and the image on either side which the monitor screen of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 displays. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another example of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, similar to FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Driving simulation apparatus, 12 Simulated handle, 14 Operation part, 14a Simulated power switch key, 14b Simulated traveling lever, 14c Simulated speed setting knob, 14d Simulated forward / reverse selector switch, 14e Simulated horn switch, 16 control part, 18 Monitor screen 20 Speaker 26 Vehicle 26c Handle 28 Control board

Claims (2)

At least a simulated handle similar to the handle of a vehicle is provided, and an operation unit that outputs a user instruction including at least a traveling direction indicated by operation of the simulated handle; and an input of the user instruction connected to the operation unit a control unit for being connected to the control unit, the drive simulation apparatus consisting of a monitor screen for displaying an image made from the traveling path of the virtual in accordance with the instruction of the control unit, the simulated wheel neutral When the monitor screen is operated in the left or right direction by a first angle or more from the position, the left or right of the traveling direction corresponding to the direction in which the simulated steering wheel is operated from the front image of the traveling direction of the vehicle is displayed. with switching the image, when the simulated wheel is returned to the first angle is different from the second angle or more the neutral position direction, the positive Driving simulation apparatus and returning to the image. At least a simulated handle similar to the handle of a vehicle is provided, and an operation unit that outputs a user instruction including at least a traveling direction indicated by operation of the simulated handle; and an input of the user instruction connected to the operation unit and a control unit which, connected to said control unit, the drive simulation apparatus consisting of a monitor screen for displaying an image made from the traveling path of the virtual in accordance with the instruction of the control unit, stop or substantially The direction in which the simulated handle is operated from the front image of the traveling direction of the vehicle when the simulated handle is operated in the left or right direction beyond a first angle from the neutral position when the vehicle is stopped. wherein with switching the traveling direction of left or right image, the simulated handle second angle or more different from the first angle corresponding to the When returned to serial neutral position direction, drive simulation apparatus and returning to the front image.

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